MOCache/MOGeo Blogs

I happened across the blogging link a few minutes ago and went hmmmmmmmmmm..  I came out here and read my logs.  Last March, I was contemplating my 500th find.  That was 800 caches ago.  Right now I sit on 1300.  It has been a long time. 

I'm a bit crisp around the edges right now, not quite burnt out but tired.  There's six inches of snow on the ground and I just don't want to deal with it.  I'm staying home and catching up on all that stuff I've been neglecting while I've Geocached.  There has been a lot of stuff neglected. 

I think I need a good long nap.

I hit 500 caches this evening.  For some of you, I know that it doesn't sound like much, but for me, it's a milestone.  Not so much the number, but for the fact that when I started this game, 500 was the initial goal that I sat for myself.  I felt like if I managed to hit 500, I'd have accomplished something. It was a goal, something to look forward to and something to strive for.

500 caches.  Now... it simply looks like a good start.

With any luck, I hope to get all the caches up at MOGA this weekend.  That will give me another 60+ and a good jump toward 700.  Where should I set my next goal?  1000?  2000?.  I think I'll aim for 1000 and keep it simple.

Cache on.  Gee!!!  I love this game.

After reading Arthur's post about MOGA, it set me to thinking about this Geocaching hobby I'm addicted to.  Have I ever seen anyone pushed out of the way to get to a cache? I can answer that with an resounding "NO".  When I first started caching, it was "all about the numbers".  For the first 100, I wanted to get as many found as I could, but during that time, my attitude changed. As I approach the 500 cache limit, I'd rather look for a cache that causes me to think or brings me to a "beautiful view" than to find one that doesn't. The numbers will still get me to go for a "long" walk where I wouldn't go otherwise, but I'm competing with myself. I can't hope to roll up the numbers like someone who has retired or works an alternate shift.  I work days and cache evenings and weekends. It does limit the cache finding opportunities. 

Is there competition in normal Geocaching?  Some, but not in the way you'd normally think.  There are several SLAGA member who enjoy putting out a "challenging" cache (You know who you are).  Typically, they aren't for the "faint of heart" cacher and make you think or work. There's the challenge in beating one of those caches.  There is a challenge in the FTF for some people.  Those of us who work normal day jobs, gave up on those early in our caching careers.  After the FTF, a cache becomes a cache that you get to when you can.

People come to MOGA for various reasons. MOGA can be a competition. It's advertised as such and getting the most caches in the shortest amount of time is the goal for "those who choose to compete".  MOGA is also a chance to renew old friendships, meet and make new friends, and to cache at a slow, relaxed pace if you so choose. It's your choice on how you cache. That's why the competitors are sent out before we release the caches to those who aren't competing. It helps to miminize the chance of the non-competiting cacher getting run over by one of the competitors.  During the competition portion of MOGA, I would expect people to be trying to beat the competitions time. 

Caching is supposed to be a game. It's supposed to be fun. It's supposed to be recreation. You are supposed to enjoy doing it.  When any of those are true anymore, then you need to reevaluate the game you are playing.  As in all games, the rules are intrepreted differently by different players.  We all choose how we play. Some play harder than others.

As far as my caching ID, why "javapgmr"?  It's simple, I program computers in a language called "Java".  I've programmed well more than half my life (almost 38 years).  That fact just amazes me. How did I get so old?

Cache on for now.

Steve aka javapgmr

 

 

    I'm tired.  Today Dave Spruell (CDS231) and I tackled the Emmenegger Nature Preserve.  We did about 13 caches including RGS's "The SafeCracker". From GPS record we walked over 5 miles.  It was a perfect Geocaching day, not too warm and not too cold. It was brisk enough to keep a spring in your step without breaking a sweat.

There were caches that were simple walkups, there were multi's and then there was the "SafeCracker".  Anytime you can beat an RGS cache is a good day.  I wish I had his ability to create a cache that is so challenging and elegant.  I continue to be amazed.

To everyone who put caches into Emmenegger, I want to say thanks.  It was a good day.